Afternoon wreck claims county elder
Zellamae Miles, 91, is recognized as Old Timer of the Year in 2013. File PhotoAn afternoon collision led to the passing of a 91-year-old woman.
About 3:10 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 2, a two-car collision on Highway 395 at Sears Road resulted in the death of Zellamae Miles, 91, of Susanville, the granddaughter of Susanville’s namesake, Susan Roop Arnold, according to a statement from the California Highway Patrol.
According to the statement, Freddie Sanchez, 64, of Janesville, was driving a 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 eastbound on Sears Road, and stopped at the intersection with Highway 395.
Charles Miles, 68, of Susanville, was driving a 2006 Honda Civic northbound on Highway 395, south of the intersection with Sears Road at a speed of approximately 65 mph.
According to the statement, Sanchez allegedly accelerated from the intersection, attempting to cross the highway, placing him directly in the path of the Honda.
The statement continued Charles Miles quickly applied the brakes , trying to avoid a collision. The front of the Honda struck the passenger side of the Dodge Ram, the force of which caused the Civic to rotate in a clockwise direction before coming to a rest. The Dodge Ram veered sharply to the left, off the paved portion of the road.
As a result of the collision, Zellamae Miles, who was in the front right passenger seat, sustained fatal injuries.
Charles Miles sustained moderate injuries, with complaints of pain to his midsection, and Sanchez did not sustain any injuries.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Miles family. May God watch over you all during this extremely difficult time.
David & Trudy Detrick
So terribly sorry to hear of Zellamae’s passing. She was a wonderful woman, mom and grandmother. I had the pleasure of meeting her several times and she was always delightful and full of life. God bless her kind soul.
Rev. Deacon Steve Skiffington
Coarsegold, Calif.
I’m so, so sorry to hear of the accident and Zellamae’s passing. I had the honor of meeting Zellamae a few times and was inspired by her determination and spirit. My deepest sympathies to family and community as they gather to say farewell.
Marty Walters
Quincy, CA
When we first moved to Susanville Zellamae sold us our first home, we remained friends ever since. I’m so sorry to hear of her untimely passing and my deepest sympathies to Chuck a great guy and the rest of the family.
Daniel Munzing
Vancouver WA
This just breaks my heart, for all involved. Zellemae was a fixture in this community and a guaranteed visit whenever you attended a Lassen County event. Chuck we love you and feel a small portion of the pain you must be experiencing. Prayers and deepest sympathy coming from our family to yours. Garnie said it best, “Zellamae lived until the day she died.” Not many her age can say that, but as a witness, she truly did have an impact on us all, rest in peace and happy reunions with family and friends on the other side.
Terry and Toni Poulsen
So sorry to hear this sad news. Zellamae was a wonderful lady, always had a friendly smile & hello. We send our love and prayers Chuck for you and the family. I hope you are doing ok from your injuries. What a great legacy she leaves…..her example of life & love will live on in all our memories.
Darryl & Marsha Gardner
I have known ZellaMae it seems like forever. I lived across the street from the family and baby sat Chuck and Shirene when I was a teenager. I have looked forward to seeing her every year at the Alumni picnic and will miss not seeing her ever again. Bless to all the family. Diana Christie Farano
We were so sorry to hear about Zella’s passing. She was a great lady and lots of fun to be around. We met her and her husband years ago when the wintered in Yuma and she would come recently every march to visit. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family